Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Shanevrr on April 14, 2011, 10:48:07 PM

Title: sugar self life
Post by: Shanevrr on April 14, 2011, 10:48:07 PM
how long will it set around before it goes bad?
Title: Re: sugar self life
Post by: FRAMEshift on April 14, 2011, 11:18:40 PM
If you make the syrup concentrated enough, bacteria can't grow in it.  I make 3:2 syrup and it keeps for months.  I do add some apple cider vinegar to drop the pH.

You may still get some mold but the bees can deal with that.  I understand that yeast are able to grow even in concentrated sugar water, so if you see white stringy material in the syrup, throw it out.
Title: Re: sugar self life
Post by: Michael Bush on April 14, 2011, 11:36:17 PM
It may get lumpy.  The mice may get into it.  But it will keep as long as it doesn't get wet.
Title: Re: sugar self life
Post by: Shanevrr on April 14, 2011, 11:40:57 PM
i made about 6 gals.  wanted to make sure it would keep for a week or two. i bought a 5gal gas can and made a batch lol.
Title: Re: sugar self life
Post by: BlueBee on April 15, 2011, 12:08:47 AM
Just don't make the mistake of filling up your lawnmower with sugar water...

I use 5 gallon water cooler jugs, so I can see the syrup.  A week or two won't be a problem. 
Title: Re: sugar self life
Post by: Shanevrr on April 15, 2011, 08:31:23 AM
thanks